The Victoria Day long weekend marks the beginning of summer — and while the warm weather and sunshine can be delightful, it's important to keep safety in mind.

Every summer in B.C. there are stories of young people falling victim to preventable injuries and even death.

These include drownings and near drownings (the leading cause of death among toddlers between one and four years old, according to B.C.'s Injury Research and Prevention Unit), injury from falling out of open windows or unsecured balconies, seasonal illness like heat stroke, sunburn or dehydration, or injury from recreational or sports activities.

There are easy way to prevent these injuries and take precautions to keep your children out of harm's way.

Keep safe on and in the water

Children should be closely supervised when they are near water. (The Associated Press)

According to the Canadian Red Cross, the majority of children who drown are often inadequately supervised. Shallow bodies of water — and even the bathtub — can put kids at risk.

Supervise children when they are near water. Keep them within arm's reach.

Make sure non-swimmers use a flotation device or lifejacket.

In open water or rivers, be wary of swimming in currents, as powerful currents can sweep people away.

When pools are not in use, keep them covered. Fence the area around your pool so that children cannot access it unsupervised.